Bowdoin College vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Colgate University in Hamilton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colgate University is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Colgate? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bowdoin College than Colgate ($22,228 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 4.7% lower than at Bowdoin College ($17,610 vs. $18,488).
• Colgate University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowdoin College (about $2,474 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.6% higher at Colgate than at Bowdoin College (about $2,474 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowdoin College than at Colgate University (55% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 7.8% larger than aid received by Colgate University students ($62,872 vs. $58,334).

Bowdoin College vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College or Colgate? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colgate and Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 20 points higher than at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Colgate).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Bowdoin College vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Colgate? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at Bowdoin College is the same as at Colgate University (92% vs. 92%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Bowdoin College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $75,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $2,708 lower median loan debt than Bowdoin College graduates ($16,125 vs. $18,833).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowdoin College graduates ($166 vs. $194).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.